In 1964 de Havilland Canada announced that it was developing a twin-turboprop high-wing monoplane with STOL capability to provide accommodation for 13 to 18 passengers. Identified as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, the first of an initial batch of five made its maiden flight on 20 May 1965. Powerplant of the first three aircraft consisted of two 432kW Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada PT6A engines, but the fourth and subsequent examples of this first Twin Otter Series 100 production version had PT6A-20 engines of similar output. Design of the aircraft's wing includes double-slotted trailing-edge flaps and ailerons which can be drooped simultaneously with the flaps to enhance STOL performance. Fixed tricycle landing gear can have optional float or ski installations, as well as the standard wheels.

Intended primarily for service with commuter or third-level airlines, the Twin Otter has nevertheless seen wide use with air forces and government agencies. Military operators include Argentina, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Haiti, Jamaica, Nepal, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the USA and Venezuela.

The first Twin Otter Series 100 entered service in 1966, and, following manufacture of 115 of that version, production switched to the Twin Otter Series 200. It differed by having increased baggage capacity in a lengthened fuselage nose and was certificated for operation at a higher gross weight. After 115 had been built the production Twin Otter Series 300 was introduced, this having more powerful PT6A-27 engines which make possible an increase of almost 454kg in maximum take-off weight. Later production aircraft had a 20-seat commuter interior as standard and all floatplane versions, irrespective of series, retain the shorter fuselage nose of the original Series 100. Specialised equipment that has been developed to enhance the capabilities of these popular aircraft includes a ventral pod to carry 272kg of freight and an expendable fabric membrane tank holding 1818 litres of water for water-bombing fire-fighting operations.

In 1982 DH Canada offered two specialised military versions designated Twin Otter Series 300M basic military transport or COIN version armed with cabin-mounted machine-guns and underwing hardpoints, and the 300MR maritime reconnaissance version equipped with search radar, comprehensive avionics and a wing-mounted searchlight. Although a prototype 300MR was flown, the only buyer was Senegal with a single aircraft. When the last Twin Otter was delivered in December 1988 production had reached 844. Studies for a successor are designated DHC-9.

VARIANTS

Twin Otter 300S: designation of six aircraft fitted with 11 seats, an improved high-capacity anti-skid braking system and wing spoilers, built for the 1973 experimental Air Transit service linking downtown STOL airports in Montreal and Ottawa.

Twin Otter Series 400: proposed development to meet US FAR 36 noise regulations. Not built.

UV-18A: two standard Series 300s delivered October 1976 onwards to the US Army Alaska National Guard, followed by four more in 1979 and 1982. Operating on wheels, floats or skis they are used for command, personnel or logistic flights within Alaska.

UV-18B: two standard Series 300s delivered to the US Air Force Academy in 1977 and used for sporting parachuting activities.

I was fortunate to be Flight Safety Toronto trained on the Twin Otter and fly it for a few years with an oil, gas and mineral exploration survey company for a few years. The Twin Otter is a very capable aircraft for the purpose it was designed, along with it being one of those aircraft that is really enjoyable to fly.

Shannon, 22.10.2016

How I Got My Ex Husband Back...........

I am Shannon by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my husband after three(3) years of marriage just because another woman had a spell on him and he left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address Makospelltemple@yahoo.com , have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a woman had a spell on my husband and he told me that he will help me and after 2 days that i will have my husband back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my husband. Thanks for Dr.Mako. His email: Makospelltemple@yahoo.com OR. his phone number: +2347054263874.

mapenza, 21.12.2014

Dear Sir/ Madam,

We are owner/direct seller of Gold dust/gold bar, Diamond stones,used rail , hms1 & hms2 and copper Cathode in small and largequantities.We are searching for customers /representatives who can help usestablish a medium of getting to our customers all over the world .Please,If you are interested in transacting business with us kindly contact us via (lizorag@gmail.com).Your sincerely,Mapenza.

Gary Lindrea, 28.12.2013

Hello looking for dry/wet lease aircraft 5700klg or under for our new operation in cambodia please feel free to contact us Aero cambodia airlines Would consider joint venture Thank you

Barry, 12.11.2013

Since 2009 the design authority of this aircraft now lies with Viking Aircraft of B.C. They have reinstituted the production line and currently produce tbe Twin Otter series 300.

Kevin Wallace, 13.11.2012

Looking for a DHC 6 300 or 400 Amphibian with a Sales Lease Agreement? If not, with a Long Term Lease. Thanks.

barry hill, 27.07.2012

we operated twin otter s/n 81 in Tasmania between 1968 through to 1972 with the CSIRO and the Hydro in Tassie making rain just thoughtsomebody may have the records as to where the aircraft finished its days

argeo, 20.07.2012

The aircraft in the picture lands at the only civil airport in the world which is actually a sea beach, on the Isle of Barra in Scotland. The World's only regular daily flight schedule times that vary with the tide.

argeo, 20.07.2012

The aircraft in the picture lands at the only civil airport in the world which is actually a sea beach, on the Isle of Barra in Scotland. The World's only regular daily flight schedule times that vary with the tide.

Barry Hill, 01.05.2012

What ever happened to Aircraft S/N 81

Oleg Pavlenco, 24.03.2012

HiThe national aero club OMAN wants to buy Twin Otter DHC6-400, for parachute team. Can help to have to us information or the help for to buy itRegardsOleg Pavlenco

We represent a team from the Ecuadorian Air Force, working with the Defense Ministry from Ecuador Republic, which has the mission to make the procedures in order to get an aircraft DHC-6 Twin Otter Serial 300. This requirement is the result of an accident suffered in one of our aircrafts Twin Otter (manufacturing serial No. 834, October 1986), so we want to replace this aircraft as soon we can.We need to know if you have any proposal to sell a Twin Otter DHC-6-300, and we have some specifications about the aircraft, according to the following list.TWIN OTTER DHC-6Serial 300Manufacture year 1973 or younger (preferably)Power Plant PT6A-27Oxygen System for crew and passengersantice/ Prop deice System OptionalAvionic Standard o betterAutomatic Pilot OptionalLanding Gear Wheels (for rough surface preferably)Wing Tanks OptionalDoor for passengersDelivery of the aircraft Inmediately (preferably)

So, We will appreciate any offer that you have, and in order to get an agreement, we hope to receive your offer as soon as you can. The offer must contain details concerning the history of the aircraft, power plant, cycles, STC, and more that you consider.We had received offers from some of you the last month, but according with Ecuadorians laws’, we need to refresh your proposal to begin our final report.In order to achieving a purchase agreement as soon as possible, we will appreciate your answer to these directions:

We are Local Gold miner based in located in Ghana west Africa. Soliciting a genuine buyer and partnership The following are quantity of alluvial Gold Dust, Bars,Originated from Ghana. The details stated as follows:

Im seeking a jointventure partnership with any Charter Companies or individual aircraft owners to participate in the Miltimillion LNG project in Papua New Guinea. Spcefically in the Gulf and the Western Provinces. Aircraft type: DHC-6 Twin Otters

John Wykeam, 23.03.2011

What is the operating cost of a Twin Otter appreciate advice or full data.........jfkwykeam@gmail.com; thks